Lucas

Ember Town #1

by MJ James

With nothing left, Lucas went to reinvent himself in Eaton, Colorado, a town whose name was one of the few clues about his parents, who died when he was young. Taken in by Rocko, the local bar owner, Lucas is focused on saving money for top surgery and starting a new chapter in his life.

Everything changes when Veronica walks into the bar. Unbeknownst to Lucas, she is a vampire with council permission to take his blood. What neither of them initially realizes is that Lucas’s parents harbored a secret—they were vampire kin, genetically predisposed to being turned.

Forced into vampirism against his will, Lucas finds himself trapped forever in a body that can never change. Even meeting Jeffery, a charming and supportive vampire, cannot ease the pain of this profound violation.

How will Lucas cope with his new reality and find a way to reclaim his sense of self?

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Queer, Fiction, Romance, Vampires, Transgender

130 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2024

About the author

MJ James is a science-fiction and fantasy author for queer and neurodiverse readers. As an own-voice author for autistic, ADHD, non-binary, trans-masc, aromantic, and asexual representation, MJ writes for readers who want to see themselves on the page. MJ discovered a love of books at a young age, finding them a source of comfort and the one thing in the world that made sense. Diagnosed as autistic at 24, MJ embraced their journey of self-discovery, earning a BA in Psychology and an MS in Developmental Psychology. They are also a proud parent of three incredible children. Their work features autistic and trans characters who navigate extraordinary conflicts, from protecting their child from their own magical powers to conquering virtual worlds in the fight against injustice. With themes of found family, aromantic and asexual representation, and a focus on belonging, MJ hopes their stories can provide companionship for their readers along with a sense of validation, understanding, and being seen.

Reviews

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A contemporary vampire with flair

Many know that I am tremendously fond of any novels with vampires as MC. Lucas (as a book) dances around old conventions and introduces readers to new species living amongst human populations. However, Lucas (the character) not only finds himself turned into a vampire without proper "clearance " or instructions and is exposed unnecessarily to hostilities as well as surprising acceptance of his unique appearance . Often, when I have read this in the past, this is where things go off the rails. Lucas is a story that I am content to explore. Yes, this is a queer story, but any portrayed sex scenes were eluded to without specifics being discussed. The overall story seems to have a theme that is encompassed within the entire series. Having reached the end of volume 1, I am happily, greedily reaching for volume 2. Go, Lucas, go!

[Polly]

I refuse to believe Lucas is 40

[Justine 🦊🍂 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

What I appreciated most about this book is its unique blend of contemporary issues and supernatural elements. The author does a commendable job of portraying Lucas’s struggles with his identity and the profound violation he feels after being turned into a vampire. The character development is strong, especially with Lucas and his interactions with other characters like Rocko and Jeffery.
However, there were moments where the pacing felt uneven, and some plot points seemed a bit rushed. I also wished there was more depth to the world-building, as the concept of vampire kin and the council’s role could have been explored further.
“Lucas” is an intriguing read with a lot of heart. It’s a story about finding oneself amidst chaos and learning to cope with unexpected changes. While it has its flaws, it still offers a fresh take on the vampire genre and is worth a read for those interested in stories of personal transformation and resilience.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lucas by MJ James was a really well written book. This was my first book about vampires and I really enjoyed it. This book is about Lucas who is a transgender man, who ended up in the small town of Ember after coming out. He adjusted quite well, he found a job, and made some friends fairly quickly. He figured out the Ember is a very accepting place which was very nice for him considering all he had gone through. One night on the way home from his shift at the bar he was randomly attacked and he was turned into a vampire. This is the first book in the Ember Town series and let me just say it set a really good stage for book 2. I can’t wait until the next book.

[kar munson · Rating 2 out of 5]

No sé qué esperaba, pero no era esto. Es una buena historia con una buena premisa pero de alguna forma, se perdió conforme iba avanzando el libro.
La primera mitad estuvo okay, pero después quieren meter demasiadas cosas en un libro de 100 páginas, el ritmo es muy rápido y comienza a perder sentido, eso hizo que me costara mucho terminarlo de leer. Aparte de que tiene 22 capítulos (que a mi parecer es demasiado, considerando la extensión del libro), tiene momentos de romance que cero se sienten orgánicos y acaba en suspenso introduciendo a un nuevo personaje quitándole protagonismo a Lucas y dando a entender que él no tendrá tanta relevancia en la saga.
Le doy 2 estrellas porque me gustan los vampiros, pero en general considero que pudo ser mejor.
No lo recomiendo.

[lizsreadingjourney · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first picked this book up last year, it landed in my DNF folder... not because it wasn’t good, but because I’m a total mood reader. I knew I’d come back to it when the time was right. And this time around? I was HOOKED. I don’t know if it was the audiobook helping me connect more deeply, or just that the timing was right, but I devoured this story. Lucas’s journey was raw, emotional, and honestly eye-opening. His struggles made me reflect on so much, and I’m genuinely glad I gave this book the second chance it deserved. It reminded me why giving stories grace and space to hit at the right time can be so worth it.

[Floralies · Rating 2 out of 5]

~I received this book through LibaryThing Early Reviewers.~


1.5 ☆/ 5 ☆True Blood meets Degrassi but everyone is 40+. 


The Plot:

  Though leading with an interesting concept, I think it fell short and started to veer into emotional torture p*rn areas around the mid-point. Instead of rooting for Lucas, I just pitied him. Instead of wanting him to learn more of his parents, or go forward with his future, I just felt bad that he was put into the situation and that everyone was so shitty. Even Jeffrey, a seemingly kind face amongst the nasty, I can't shake the fact that Lucas didn't need a lover, he needed just a friend more than anything, a singular alive person in his life that wouldn't be actively judging him, and/or resenting him. And in the end it feels midly like Jeffrey is taking advantage of Lucas’ naive and emotional state. 

   The vampires have such an interesting concept, that vampirism is a genetic and evolutionary trait, unfortunately having the character who tells us this that they don't care left me feeling more like the information wasn't fleshed out, especially given that by the end of this read we know very little about the vampires at all. Lore, length of life, vulnerabilities, and treaties with other members of the magic community, all seems to fall to the wayside in favor of another fade to black oddly timed tryst with Jeffrey. 

   In fact, we end up knowing more about the nymphs lore and culture than we do about anything to do with the vampires.


Writing and pacing:

   I felt the end seemed more the middle of a novel, and the midpoint felt more like the beginning. In turn, this all made the beginning just feel too long. The pacing just felt a tad off. 

  There were a few grammatical errors, and a few missing words as well. Some of the prose felt clunky, but otherwise very easy to read. Nothing too complicated, nor too simple. 

   In the end though, it seemed as if it needed some more editing. Sitting at just over 100 pages, I felt it could have been condensed into 50, giving space to tell more story, rather than to split it into separate books. 


Overall: 

   I wish I didn't know that these vampires did not in fact have any bodily fluids, but alas here we are. I'd be intrigued to see where Lucas goes, but if only for his life to go well. I need that lad to feel real joy, and maybe get some therapy to deal with all of the trauma taking place.

[Anaïs · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.75/5)

I have no idea why I was expecting a horror short story. The cover probably misled me lol. However, I am not disappointed!
In Lucas, MJ James perfectly blends fantasy with discussions on gender and sexuality. The characters are very diverse, and I appreciate the representation! Lucas is a gay transgender man who started transitioning in his forties; the cast of secondary characters also includes an agender nymph and an autistic and asexual werewolf (who seems to be the protagonist of book #2!).

Lucas deeply touched me. Being stuck for eternity in a body he despises must be incredibly difficult; I’m glad he found comfort in his blossoming relationship with Jeffrey.
Speaking of this romance, I thought it was a little too quick-paced. It might just be my little asexual self being frustrated lol, I prefer slow-burn romances. The short format doesn’t help either, it’s hard to develop a relationship in 122 pages.
Since this only has to do with my tastes in books, I didn’t take it into account in my rating!

What I did take into account, however, were the multiple inconsistencies in Jeffrey’s name. In my copy of the book, ‘Jeffrey’ appears only four times; he is mostly called ‘Jeffery’, and even ‘Jefferey’ once. This was enough to disturb me a few times, and it is the main reason I didn’t give Lucas five stars. (Well, I did, but since Goodreads still doesn't allow half-stars...)
Overall, I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and the way they portrayed Lucas’s emotions. It is evident, as stated in the trigger warning section at the beginning, that they share his struggles. It only brings more realism and depth to the story, which I enjoy a lot!

If you’re looking for an intriguing short read that mixes supernatural elements with discussions on sexuality and gender, I highly recommend the Ember Town series.
Lucas is a thrilling first book and skillfully introduces Ember’s universe. The ending already introduces the main events of Phoenix, the second book of the series. I think I will check it out, because I have the feeling I will love this character!

[Gabriel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pacing needed some work. It’s the opening to a series that’s trying to introduce a lot of worldbuilding (all the different magical species and their cultures, the history of their town, their politics, etc.) and the major characters and conflicts not just for this book but for the sequels too while also trying to explore the emotional turmoil of a trans person finding themselves unable to transition via Lucas’ turning. And it’s only a novella.
There wasn’t much breathing room for Lucas’ emotions even though exploring those seemed to be the core of what this book was about. The external conflict accelerated rapidly at the end, then cut off abruptly to leave it for the sequel. Phoenix's (the werewolf alpha’s heir) and Birk's (the agender nymph) introductions were not very natural. The random focus on them (especially with Birk) was weird until I realized, oh, these are the protagonists of the next books in the series.
I really wish this hadn’t been the case because Lucas’ personal struggle was such a draw for me. The physical inability to pursue desired aspects of transition is not something I’ve not seen addressed often in trans literature. The social/cultural barriers, access issues, and safety concerns come up more frequently. Still, they aren’t quite the same experience and don’t necessarily elicit the same response. As someone with health issues that have impacted my transition, I was eager to see my fears and frustrations reflected in a character. And I was moved by some of Lucas’ experiences; I did connect with him. But the impact was lessened by the presentation which left little room for subtlety or time for more than quick hints at their depth.
I am still invested in this world and these characters. The setups for the characters' personal conflicts, with their families, their cultures, or themselves are all solid. The various cultures of the magical creatures and the way they interact with and affect individuals’ queer and neurodivergent identities opens up a lot of room for different narratives to be explored. I hope it settles into better pacing now that some of the establishing information about the magic and the town is out of the way.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

While "Lucas" starts with an intriguing premise, it unfortunately loses its way around the midpoint and never quite recovers. What began as a promising story about discovery and supernatural heritage devolved into what felt more like emotional torture for both the protagonist and the reader.

The Good:
The initial concept is engaging, and there are glimpses of an interesting supernatural world. The nymph lore is actually well-developed compared to other supernatural elements.

The Problems:
My biggest issue was that instead of rooting for Lucas as a character, I found myself just pitying him. Rather than being invested in his journey to learn about his parents or his future, I felt bad that he was constantly put in terrible situations surrounded by consistently awful people.

The world-building feels incomplete and unbalanced. While we get detailed nymph lore, the vampire mythology falls flat. We're told vampirism is genetic and evolutionary, but this information comes from a character who explicitly says they don't care - which left me feeling like the author didn't care to flesh it out either. By the end, we know very little about vampire lore, lifespans, vulnerabilities, or their relationships with other supernatural beings. These elements take a backseat to poorly-timed romantic scenes with Jeffrey.

Pacing Issues:
The structure felt backwards - the ending read like the middle of a novel, while the actual midpoint felt like it should have been the beginning. This made the opening drag on too long and left the conclusion feeling incomplete.

Character Development:
Lucas is supposedly over 40, but his behavior and decision-making felt far too immature for someone of that age. The disconnect between his stated age and his actions was consistently jarring.

Bottom Line:
While there's potential in the concept, the execution doesn't live up to the premise. Fans of supernatural fiction might find some elements to enjoy, but the pacing issues and underdeveloped world-building make this a difficult recommendation.

Would I recommend this? Only to readers who don't mind incomplete world-building and are very patient with pacing issues.

[Stepphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to MJ James for providing me with an advanced copy of this story for review and consideration. All opinions are my own

Lucas is a Transgender man, who after coming out and all that entailed, made his way to the small town of Ember where he finds it a very accepting place to be. He finds a job and makes new friends, and all seems to be going well until he is attacked on his way home one night and gets turned into a Vampire. Now Lucas must come to terms with being an Immortal, with all its pros and cons.

This story sets the stage for what could be an epic series of books based around Ember and its magical community. I enjoyed reading about the trials and tribulations Lucas faced in his journey and I believe that this is a story that really needs to be told to shine a light on transgender and gender diverse people. It felt very personal in places, and you can tell that the author has put in a lot of research to build up the character that is Lucas and the people he meets.

This story has excellent plot points woven throughout, though I believe they need to be fleshed out a bit in some places. It can sometimes feel that Lucas is jumping to conclusions based on little to no evidence we have read about making the story a little disjointed.

With that being said, I am looking forward to the second instalment of this series as I need to know what happens to a certain member of the wolf pack, the nymph’s daughter, as well as the relationship between Jeremy and Lucas

[Fuuma · Rating 2 out of 5]

At almost exactly the 50% mark, this book rapidly flips from clumsily enjoyable to batshit.

I want to start by saying this author writes emotional pain very well. I think that was mostly the intention of the book, and the first half sets it up nicely. There's a bit later that was also written well. But everything else is...

There's just too much. They write like they still take their hs english teacher's words as law. There is no chemistry in the romance. The second half of the book is written like the author suddenly realized they needed things to happen if they wanted to call it a plot, so they just start making things happen whether they made sense or not. The pacing and flow are blown to smithereens by this. Every character starts behaving however is most convenient to make this haphazard plot happen, and not how real people would actually behave.

And there is no ending. It's a to be continued. I will never not hate that. And it wasn't even long enough to claim it needed a cut off point. There was plenty of room for more pages to let the plot, such as it was, breathe and properly close an arc. They just didn't.

I wish the author the best in everything but I will not be continuing this series.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3 stars for this book from me. I neither liked nor disliked Lucas enough to give it four stars or to rate it two stars, so a solid three is what it'll get.

I really like the way that the author expresses Lucas's struggles with his identity and his struggles with his identity after being changed. It isn't just glossed over like it may have been in some other books and I really, really appreciate that fact. It's addressed and given value to, which is very important.

I also very much appreciate the acknowledge the author gives to the violation that Lucas feels to being turned as well. That it wasn't his choice, thus it was a violation, not a gift. Good on you, MJ James. Good. On. You.

The only reason that the rating isn't higher is being the pacing felt off for me and so, it threw me off. I couldn't really get into the story very well since I couldn't really find my balance in it to settle in. Some things felt a little rushed and oddly timed. If things had been a little smoother and a little less... clunky, I think it could have been a 3.5. Things just needed to be fine tuned and smoothed out a bit.

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm always a fan of vampire stories and I'm liking what this book is doing with its vampires and the world building around them. It sets up an interesting magical community that is going to be the setting for the rest of the books in the series and establishes an overarching conflict.

That being said, I feel like we didn't get a satisfactory character arc for our titular character, Lucas. Which wouldn't bother me as much if the series continued to focus on Lucas but he's not the main character moving forward. We've only just barely scratched the surface of him as a person, let alone him as a newly-born vampire or his relationship with Jeffrey. It's just such an incredibly unsatisfying ending! I need more Lucas! This can't be it!

Still, it's a quick and entertaining read/listen. Even though vampires are no longer the focus in later books I'll likely continue the series to see how the story ends.

[ChasseReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucas moves to Ember, Colorado to start his new life somewhere where no-one would know who he was or who he used to be, somewhere they wouldn't judge him.

What he didn't count on was being more accepted of who he is without any questions because, as Lucas would soon find out, nothing and no one is as they seem in Ember.

This is the tale of Lucas' journey. Lucas had just started his life over being freely who he always was. He finds himself in a new town, at a new job working behind the bar, and in a new place of his own. He has a goal he's saving towards and it's within reach. Or it was.

When Lucas meets Veronica his life, unbeknownst to him, changed course. Lucas has his hopes and dreams ripped away from him by a vampire. Lucus is now stuck in a body that will never change and understandably this is very hard for Lucas to accept.

This is Book One of the Ember Town Series.

[Marta · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Thank you to the author and Storygraph for giving me the chance to win a digital copy of this book in a giveaway*
I haven't read vampire stories since I was, like, 13 and I was a bit unsure going in but I enjoyed it. It touches on many important subjects and I loved to see so many gender identities and sexualities represented, including my own which is rare.
On the other hand, I wish Lucas' transition to being a vampire was described more in depth. It seemed like he accepted it too quickly and I wish we had seen more emotions and deeper emotions. I feel like if I was turned into a vampire without consent and consequently never be able to change my body, which was one of my main goals in life, sleeping with a dude I just met would be the last thing on my mind.
Overall, I enjoyed this book but there's definitely room for improvement.

[Maxisagayweeb · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Banging pots and pans together* TRANS VAMPIRES WHO CAN’T TRANSITION ARE VALID

I loved how this explored Lucas’ grieving for himself when he learnt he could not have top surgery because it hurt but it was so accurate and IT IS SO IMPORTANT.

In other parts of the book though, I really wish that more of Lucas’ emotions were explored because a few times it just felt like he got over stuff way too quickly considering how significant events are so it just felt a bit like “[trauma] -> [Lucas is devastated]->[Lucas is expected to be instantly fine so he is]” which would be fine if he was just outwardly portraying himself as “fine” but that doesn’t come across

That said, i definitely will be continuing with this series as I am thoroughly invested in this world and I need to know what happens next!!

Big thank you to MJ James and Booksprout for my ALC!!

[KA Vickers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucas is scrimping and saving to get the surgery he desperately wants so he can live as himself, unfortunately a vampire has her eye on him and what follows turns his life upside down.

I really liked this one, it was short but you really got to know the characters and feel for Lucas. Maybe he didn't always act like a 40 year old man but everyone going through transition talks of a second puberty so there's often a slight personality adjustment along with the physical changes.

I felt bad for him and liked that the author didn't shy away from the difficulty this change (to a vampire) would cause.

This is my second book by the author and definitely happy I've looked into more.

[Jessica Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually my first time coming across a supernatural series with a trans protagonist, and I seriously need to rectify that.

Lucas is about a trans masc gay man who's turned into a vampire against his will before he's able to fully finish transitioning to his satisfaction. It's already awful enough to be in a body you feel doesn't fit who you are, but to be stuck like that for eternity sounds like a really awful time. He starts to learn to adjust with the help of Jeffrey and starts a relationship with him. The cast of characters has all sorts of representation, and I'm looking forward to the next part of the series!

[Albert]

Lucas by MJ James was a decent read — I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5. I actually received it as a prize on StoryGraph, so I was pretty excited to give it a try. The story had good potential and there were moments that definitely pulled me in. I liked the overall pacing and the easy writing style, which made it a pretty quick read. At times, I felt like the characters could have been a bit more developed to really make the emotional moments hit harder, but the plot itself kept me curious enough to see it through. It’s a fun, easy book for when you’re in the mood for something light, and with a bit more depth, it could have been an even stronger story.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as a free digital copy from a StoryGraph giveaway.
A very interesting parallel between vampires frozen in time and self acceptance of trans identity. A story of self awareness and identity and resilience.
I enjoyed this story though felt the need for further depth to characters like Jeffery. What is his story? I hoped for more world building in the sense of vampire kin and how that worked. Beautiful diverse set of characters including neurodivergent and asexual representation.
The ending was too abrupt. I am tempted to read the next due to this, however.

[Likes2Explore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to Skye Alley perform Lucas: The Ember Town Series, Book 1. As a non binary individual I connected with Lucas right away and fell in love with Jeffery.

I did feel that the story could have been fleshed out a bit because it felt a bit rushed through at times and the pacing felt off for me but otherwise this was a great start to the series.

This does end on a cliffhanger.

It has a great cast of characters that I look forward to getting to know better in the series and great messages throughout.

Thank You to MJ James and team for the ALC.

[GreenPhoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town, big secrets, and one smoldering werewolf—Lucas is a paranormal romance that bites in all the best ways. M.J. James delivers a sizzling mix of mystery, supernatural drama, and just the right amount of humor to keep you hooked. If broody heroes and small-town intrigue are your thing, Ember Town is calling your name!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashe Hale · Rating 2 out of 5]

preachy and awkward.
A severe lack of contractions during conversation leading to stilted, unnatural dialogue. Main character acts nothing like his age of 40 and has the righteous indignation only a teenager could possess. adding to that with feeling no chemistry between Lucas and Jeffery, them falling into bed together instantly and Lucas fumbling everything by being overwrought with emotional outbursts led to a pretty miserable reading experience.

[Jacqualine Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this an e-book and decided to get it an audiobook so I could listen to it. Re-read to me and let your imagination go. The narration was magnificent. The story line was fantastic. The characters were amazing. The world building just draws you in. It is a definite page Turner must read, and I would highly recommend this book. Looking forward to and hoping they will be a book too.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cass Robitaille · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is creative and compelling. It left me wanting to hear more about Lucas and how he adjusts to their vampire body, it's limitations and abilities. The story is fast paced, and manages to give good character development and alot of plot while still being a quick read.

I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julia Hewitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certainly a great start early in the book. Well written of different communities and how they associate and the rules. I do hope there is a book #2. I certainly read it. A most refreshing book.
It had ne hurting that Lucas was unable to follow through his dream. I'm not good at reviews, but I did enjoy this book. Read in a couple of hours.

[Heather Roue · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
I liked the content of the story and the personal journey Lucas was living.
The writing could use a little more finesse with the social messaging conveyed; however, it’s still integral information that deserves to be written about, but more maturity (not spice) in the writing would have elevated the story and impact a little more.

[Zondra Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

To start of with, this book features a trans man main character has some other identities/possible identities with side characters. The author themself is nonbinary/queer.
Also as a big TW, there is transphobia and dead naming.
Even with the brief things from the TW, I think this was a pretty good first book to this series

[Faerie Wings Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intriguing plot, and a different outlook on vampire society than I’ve seen before. The writing style didn’t quite gel with me though. Overall, an easy and fast read with room to grow through the series.